Caladium

Caladiums grow best in warm, moist, organically-rich, acidic soil. For that reason, don't plant these heat-lovers too early in the growing season. Early planting in cool earth results in slow growth and tuber rot when the tubers sit for long periods of time in moist soil. A good rule of thumb is to plant caladium tubers in the soil around the time you plant okra seed in the garden or set out tomato transplants in cool regions. A soil temperature of 70 degrees Fahrenheit is preferred. Plant tubers so their puckered or knobby sides are up, placing them 2 inches below the soil surface and 10 to 12 inches apart. Water plants frequently, keeping soil evenly moist but not saturated. Caladiums will rot in consistently soggy soil.

The key to an eye-catching caladium planting is quantity. Plant at least three caladiums together for a bold statement. If you have space, a mass planting of five or seven plants is even better. Choose one variety and situate plants about 10 inches apart for a colorful show.

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Provide caladium plants with regular moisture, and never let the soil dry out completely. Fertilize plants every couple of weeks with a liquid fertilizer to promote strong foliage growth. Keep your eyes open for slugs and snails that may chomp holes in the leaves.

Caladiums are hardy in Zones 9-10. In all other Zones, you can save tubers for planting the following year by digging them up at the end of the growing season. (Caladiums planted in a container can stay there as long as the container is brought inside.) Overwintered tubers often grow smaller foliage than new tubers, so many gardeners choose to start with fresh plants every season.

When overwintering caladium tubers, dig them up in fall before the leaves have lost all color. Dry the tubers by spreading them out in a cool, dry place, such as a garage floor, for a week or two. Cut dry foliage from the tubers and remove all dry soil, then pack them in dry peat moss or sawdust for storage. Arrange the tubers in peat moss so they do not touch each other, and store them where temperature will not drop below 45 degrees Fahrenheit.

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Once reserved for shade gardens, caladiums now come in sun-tolerant varieties that stand up to bright days. Grow sun-tolerant caladiums in areas that receive bright morning sun and afternoon shade.